Good God -- Perry Farrell Has Reinvented Himself Again!

Jane’s Addiction is easily one of the most important bands to have come out of the 1980s. They were certainly punk, but also weird and wild and completely unpredictable. Perry Farrell’s enigmatic presence was a major contributing factor to the LA band’s success. It only seemed logical that his next project, whatever it may be, would also turn out to be a critical success.

Porno For Pyros made their debut on the heels of Farrell’s traveling Lollapalooza rock and roll festival. The band was an extension of Jane’s Addiction and as such combined many dissimilar elements (punk, funk, rock, metal, and pop) into one interesting and sometimes bizarre package. On their eponymous 1993 debut, Porno For Pyros, didn’t quite connect. At times the album was entertaining at the same time it was well made (the minor hit Pets comes to mind) but all-in-all it was a letdown especially considering the hype.

However Farrell did make up for his minor misstep with Good God’s Urge (1996). With help from bassist Mike Watt (Minutemen), guitarist Peter DiStefano, and talented Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins Porno For Pyros put together the excellent album that their combined talents suggested could happen. It turned out to be an all-star effort with three members of Love & Rockets guesting on Porpoise Head plus former Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro and Flea of RHCP on Freeway. The album never yielded a hit nor did it even go gold according to RIAA standards, but it is still well worth the effort of checking out—especially if you enjoy Jane’s Addiction.

Good God’s Urge is definitely a good album, but whether or not you “get it” depends heavily on your ability to accept Farrell as a different kind of rocker. Unlike the band’s debut, this album is a mellower more “worldly” effort. Personal, laid-back, intelligent, and often evocative Porno For Pyros created one of the lesser-known gems of the decade. As much as I love many of the songs and the overall airy feel of the album, I can understand why it was never that popular. There are flaws, there are inconsistencies, and for fans of Farrell’s work the lack of noise will come as a shock. Good God’s Urge is best for when you just want to get away from all the world’s worries and woes.

Sit back, relax and enjoy. This is an album that begins very strongly and only barely wanes in quality as it draws to a close. The best three songs are clustered together toward the beginning. The trilogy of 100 Ways, Tahitian Moon, and Kimberly Austin is magnificent. Each draws me in for different reasons. 100 Ways features a jazzy trumpet paired with Polynesian drums. Farrell sings with an unexpected gentle ease. Tahitian Moon is concise and hip and surprisingly “pop.” This song is probably the best known on this album. However if you’re looking for a song with some real heart, look no further than the mild and acoustic offering Kimberly Austin. I’ve never heard Farrell handle his uneasy, pitchy voice more beautifully than on this song.

There is more to be had on Good God’s Urge than just three songs. What I really appreciate is that the tracks don’t wander. They are short and sweet which separates them from Farrell’s earlier more “progressive” (aka lengthy) tunes. Thick of It All is definitely one of the few that really drags on. It sounds great, but it really doesn’t go anywhere. Fortunately, it is followed by the title track which showcases some great bass guitar work. The vocals are almost secondary to the charmingly whimsical melody. Even better though is Wishing Well. Once again the guitars are brought to the front of the mix. While the song isn’t nearly as noisy of other things Farrell has done in the past, it does occasionally go in that direction. In the end though, Wishing Well is much more beachy stoner music than anything.

Dogs Rule the Night is a decent track, but it really doesn’t give me a lasting impression. It’s probably the second most radio-friendly of this set, but it musically doesn’t do much for me. Plus, it lacks the honesty and emotion of Tahitian Moon or 100 Ways. I must also admit that Freeway is a disappointment especially considering that both Navarro and Flea make appearances. Good God’s Urge wraps with a final, most necessary acoustic track. Bali Eyes is a sweeping, placid song—the perfect way to cap off this surprising album.

Jane’s Addiction fans may be put off by the unusually calm nature of Good God’s Urge. Fans of Perry Farrell (who should already own this album) will be impressed by his adventurous musical arrangements, unusual ideas, and diverse performances. There is something to be said for an artist who up and does something so surprising that it catches everybody off guard. This Porno For Pyros disc seems like just that kind of offering even if it’s not without the occasional flaw.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Track Listing:
01. Porpoise Head
02. 100 Ways
03. Tahitian Moon
04. Kimberly Austin
05. Thick of It All
06. Good God’s Urge
07. Wishing Well
08. Dogs Rule the Night
09. Freeway
10. Bali Eyes

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Jane's Addiction - Nothing’s Shocking (1988)
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Jane's Addiction - Ritual De Lo Habitual (1990)
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